Colorado @ Washington State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2016 ) Washington State 24, Colorado 38

One week after California derailed its hopes of an undefeated season, No. 18 Washington State looks to bounce back Saturday against visiting Colorado. The Cougars committed seven turnovers and were held without a touchdown for the first time since 2012 in the loss to the Bears, who recorded nine sacks and rolled to a stunning 38-3 victory.

Senior quarterback Luke Falk threw five interceptions and fumbled once as Cal dominated the line of scrimmage and likely ended the Cougars’ chances of landing a spot in the College Football Playoff. “We didn’t play good in any aspect of the game,” Cougars coach Mike Leach told reporters. “Cal outcoached us and outplayed us at every position. Our guys sauntered around the field like weirdly we’d accomplished something, which obviously is false.” Falk figures to return to form against Colorado, which is allowing 35.5 points per game in Pac-12 play but snapped its three-game losing streak with last Saturday’s 36-33 victory over Oregon State. While the Buffaloes’ defense has struggled, running back Phillip Lindsay has carried 69 times for 466 yards and five touchdowns over the last two games and ranks second in the Pac-12 in rushing at 142 yards per contest.

TV: 10:45 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Washington State -10.5

ABOUT COLORADO (4-3, 1-3 Pac-12): Wide receiver Bryce Bobo turned in his best game of the season in the win over Oregon State, recording nine catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing a touchdown pass and catching a two-point conversion). Safety Evan Worthington had 12 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups against the Beavers, but the defense allowed 33 points and 569 yards to the worst offense in the conference. Colorado has two sacks in four Pac-12 games and will need dramatic improvement from its defensive line to help contain the Cougars’ Air Raid offense.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (6-1, 3-1): Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s unit was a key factor in the Cougars’ 6-0 start, but injured linebackers Peyton Pelluer, Isaac Dotson and Nate DeRider were clearly missed in the loss to Cal. A trio of redshirt freshmen – Jahad Woods, Justus Rogers and Dillon Sherman – could see extensive playing time in their place again this week and will surely be focused on slowing down Lindsay and the Colorado running game. Hercules Mata’afa is tied for the Pac-12 lead with 6.5 sacks, while Falk is the NCAA’s active career leader in passing yards (13,179) and touchdowns (108).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Colorado leads the series 6-4 after posting a 38-24 win in Boulder last season.

2. Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez has thrown 95 straight passes without an interception.

3. Washington State is 10-2 at home since the start of the 2016 season, including 5-0 this season.

PREDICTION: Washington State 44, Colorado 24